30 Things to Do With Kids During the Holidays in Philadelphia for 2017

Celebrate the holiday season with the entire family at these fun events and performances

Don’t let the arrival of winter keep you and your family cooped up indoors. The holiday season is a great time of year to get out and about with wee ones in tow.

There are so many things to do — many of them for free! — with those of all ages this holiday season in Philadelphia, so we’ve rounded up our top picks for the best things to do with the pint-sized set to make the most of the chilly season in the city.

Enjoy our comprehensive guide to holiday fun with the family in Philadelphia for 2017, below.

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Dilworth Park Wintergarden, Christmas Village and the Holidays at City Hall

Dates vary by attraction

CREDIT: J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

The heart of Center City is packed with holiday pop ups, including the brand-new, nightly KLIP Collective creation, Deck the Hall Light Show at Dilworth Park. The outdoor Rothman Institute Ice Rink & Rothman Institute Cabin offer ice skating, skate rentals, twinkling lights and indoor space to warm up and fill up on snacks and hot drinks (and cocktails and beer for the adults), while America's Garden Capital Maze is a living labyrinth of seasonal plants and lights. Philly's official tree overlooks North Broad Street, as does Craft Hall, an indoor bakery and barbecue featuring Lost Breads and smoked meats. Within the open-air courtyard, the carousel returns, along with the Hernhut stars-topped stalls of the Made In Philadelphia Holiday Market of independent local vendors. Across the street at LOVE Park (in the midst of renovations) is Christmas Village, the annual German-style holiday shopping hot spot.

Christmas Light Show at Macy's Center City

Through December 31, 2017

CREDIT: J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

The Grand Court in the National Historic Landmark Wanamaker Building has hosted a Christmas Light Show since 1956. The department store revives the tradition of sugarplum fairies, dancing snowmen and more with a 100,000-light show narrated by Julie Andrews and accompanied by the famed Wanamaker Organ. Free performances take place every two hours during store hours. Between shows, visitors often tour the second floor’s vintage Dickens Village, setup of animated dolls retelling A Christmas Carol; each free walkthrough ends in a chance to meet and get photos with Santa.

During the Franklin Square Holiday Festival, the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show makes this park twinkle, with free shows every 30 minutes between 4 and 8 p.m. on weeknights and 4 and 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Among the 50,000 lights set to music are a giant, illuminated kite and key. Festivities include #FranklinSquareFridays; Saturdays with Santa; Seasonal Sounds on Sundays; rides on the holiday train and carousel; treats such as make-you-own s'mores, hot doughnuts, local beer (for the adults) and hot beverages (served in a warming tent or around fire pits in a beer garden) and mini-golf.

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

Through March 4, 2018

CREDIT: Courtesy M. Stanley for DRWC

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest brings a riverfront enclave of activities for those of all ages. The winterized park houses the only Olympic-sized skating rink in the city, which overlooks the Delaware River. In addition to ice skating, families can look forward to arcade games, fire pits and a ski chalet-style lodge serving up perfect post-skate treats, such as hot chocolate and an array of seasonal eats.

The Comcast Holiday Spectacular

November 23, 2017 - January 1, 2018

CREDIT: M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia

For a magical experience of a different sort, gather up the kids and head to the Comcast Experience video wall. One of the world’s highest resolution LED displays, the wall annually displays free 15-minute shows filled with music from The Nutcracker and holiday cheer. Shows run daily at the top of the hour from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (excluding 5 p.m. on weekdays).

PHLASH Downtown Loop's Holiday Service

Through December 31, 2017

CREDIT: J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Looking for a convenient way to transport the family around town? Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, the PHLASH Downtown Loop offers daily service to popular Philadelphia spots through the holiday season. Service is available every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., allowing passengers to easily experience festive holiday attractions like the Franklin Square Holiday Festival, the Christmas Light Show at Macy's, Christmas Village and more.

Pennsylvania Ballet Presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

December 8-31, 2017 (select dates)

CREDIT: Courtesy Pennsylvania Ballet

Celebrate one of Philadelphia’s greatest family traditions with the Pennsylvania Ballet's performance of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker at the Academy of Music, now in its 49th year. The unforgettable classic will once again transport audiences as Marie and her Prince battle the evil Mouse King and travel to the Land of the Sweets where the Sugarplum Fairy reigns. Set to Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, the Pennsylvania Ballet’s production has become a beloved Philadelphia holiday tradition, attracting more than 50,000 people each year.

SugarHouse Casino New Year’s Eve on the Waterfront

Sunday, December 31, 2017

CREDIT: Courtesy M. Stanley for DRWC

Penn’s Landing is the place to ring in the New Year with SugarHouse Casino’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront featuring two spectacular shows. For the little ones who won't make it till the final countdown, an evening fireworks display goes down at 6 p.m. before Philadelphia’s main midnight attraction on the Delaware River Waterfront. Conveniently located within a short walk of Old City, Society Hill and South Street, Penn’s Landing becomes a festive party with revelers of all ages delighting in a breathtaking fireworks display.

SugarHouse Casino Mummers Parade

Monday, January 1, 2018

CREDIT: M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia

During the SugarHouse Casino Mummers Parade, the only-in-Philadelphia New Year’s Day tradition that dates back to 1901, thousands of men, women and children delight and dazzle crowds with feathers, sequins, music and merriment during a day-long romp along Broad Street from City Hall, site of competition among the Comic, Comic Wench and String Band divisions, to Washington Avenue.

Reading Terminal Holiday Railroad at Reading Terminal Market

Through December 24, 2017

CREDIT: Courtesy Reading Terminal Market

Every holiday season, Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia’s indoor haven for all things food, sets up an impressive holiday railroad display. This year's all-new display features five magical interactive model train vignettes celebrating the history of the Reading Terminal Market, the Reading Railroad and the joys of the holiday season.

The Holidays at the Please Touch Museum

One of the nation’s premier children’s museums, the Please Touch Museum hosts three special holiday celebrations. On December 9, meet Kris Kringle and enjoy a lively and humorous concert by Yosi & The Superdads. The museum will host a special Hanukkah celebration on December 13, also featuring singing, dancing and wiggling by Yosi. December 26 brings a special Kwanzaa Celebration, where you can weave your own Mkeka and enjoy a performance by The Seventh Principle. On December 31, kids will ring in the New Year at a "Countdown 2 Noon" at noon and 1 p.m.

Adventure Aquarium's Christmas Underwater

Camden, NJ

December 1-30, 2017

CREDIT: Courtesy G. Mattie of Adventure Aquarium

Marvel at the world's tallest underwater Christmas tree, which makes its debut at Adventure Aquarium this year. The 18-foot-tall tree, part of the attraction's Shark Realm, will be illuminated for the first time on Friday, December 1 and will be on display through December 30. Alongside thousands of twinkling lights and colorful shells and coral, visitors will get the chance to see Scuba Santa and his "elfish" helpers swimming beneath the surface and celebrating the season.

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place

Langhorne, Bucks County

November 18 - December 30, 2017

CREDIT: Photo courtesy Sesame Place

Elmo, Abby, Oscar and friends — including, new this year, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Clarice and Bumble — are part of the ultimate little-kid theme park’s A Very Furry Christmas. Wee ones tour the Twiddlebugs’ Gingerbread Cookie Factory, meet Lightning, the reindeer from Elmo Saves Christmas, take in holiday productions such as the 1-2-3 Christmas Tree Show and snag spots for the Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade.

Christmas Tree Lighting in Rittenhouse Square

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

CREDIT: M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia

During the holidays, Rittenhouse Square boasts one of the largest Christmas trees in the city. Every year, those of all ages come to experience the ceremonial lighting of the Rittenhouse Square Christmas Tree, which is typically more than 30 feet tall. Thousands of colorful globes keep the area aglow throughout the season, making a cheerful sight for families walking through or relaxing in the park.

Christmas Tree Lightings on East Passyunk Avenue

Thursday, November 30, 2017

CREDIT: Courtesy East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District

Philadelphia's East Passyunk neighborhood will be decking the avenue during the annual Tree Lighting Party at the famous Singing Fountain. Join festive carolers, musicians and local businesses for the celebration leading up to Santa lighting the tree. Afterward, be sure to visit the stores and businesses along East Passyunk Avenue for great holiday sales and treats.

A Philly POPS Christmas

December 2-19, 2017 (select dates)

CREDIT: Photo courtesy Philly Pops

At the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, maestro Michael Krajewski takes the baton to lead the Philly POPS in a newly re-imagined, always beloved concert featuring vocalist Justin Hopkins, the Philadelphia Boys Choir, the Philly POPS Festival Chorus and the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir. Also on tap: a musical performance of How The Grinch Stole Christmas.

Parade of Lights at the Independence Seaport Museum

Saturday, December 9, 2017

CREDIT: Courtesy Independence Seaport Museum

The Parade of Lights along the Delaware River features illuminated working vessels, tugboats included, preceded by a day of visiting with Santa, building ornaments and gingerbread boats and learning how snow is made at the Independence Seaport Museum.

Kwanzaa Celebration at the African American Museum in Philadelphia

December 27-30, 2017

CREDIT: M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

The African American Museum in Philadelphia hosts a four-day Kwanzaa Celebration, inviting families to come out and celebrate the First Fruits of the Harvest. In the first three days, crafting activities represent self-determination, working together and supporting each other; on the fourth day, a candle-lighting ceremony demonstrates purpose.

Christmasland at Linvilla Orchards

Media, Delaware County

December 1-23, 2017

For the holidays, Linvilla Orchardstransforms into the North Pole — farm style. Take the kids to pick out a Christmas tree, and afterward explore the market, stocked with tasty holiday treats like hot mulled cider. Santa makes a guest appearance every Saturday and Sunday in December, and Saturday evenings bring Caroling Hayrides, where sing-alongs, live music and apple cider create a fun and festive experience.

Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm

Morrisville, Bucks County

November 18, 2017 - January 7, 2018

CREDIT: Courtesy Shady Brook Farm

Millions of lights sparkle at Shady Brook Farm during the incredible Holiday Light Show. Experience the magical drive in your own car or hop on an open-air wagon ride. Beforehand, consider picking out a holiday tree and be sure to visit Santa at Santa’s Village for a photo with the kids.

North Pole Express and Santa's Steam Spectacular at New Hope & Ivyland Railroad

New Hope, Bucks County

Through December 31, 2017

CREDIT: B. Krist for Visit Philadelphia

All aboard the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad for a holiday train ride — pulled by either a vintage diesel locomotive or a steam locomotive — with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Lasting for one hour, the holiday excursion invites families to sip on hot chocolate and enjoy festive cookies as Santa and Mrs. Claus deliver a special gift to each child on-board. Christmas carol sing-alongs will sweeten the ride as the train transports you to the "North Pole."

Franklin Square’s Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown and Dance Party

Sunday, December 31, 2017

CREDIT: J. Fusco for Historic Philadelphia

Historic Franklin Square offers families an evening of New Year's family fun from 3-8 p.m., with a 6 p.m. “square” drop, an indoor kids’ dance party, the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show outside and great views of the early fireworks show at Penn’s Landing.

Fancy Brigade Finale and MummersFest

A spectacular Philadelphia’s New Year’s Day tradition heads indoors during the Mummers Fancy Brigade Finale at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where clubs perform their Broadway-style music-and-dance routines for prizes and bragging rights. Celebrate the New Year all week-long during MummersFest, featuring a behind-the-scenes look as the Mummers put the finishing touches on their costumes and routines.